Page 44 of His One and Only Lady

“Tish tosh.” Her ladyship waved her red lace fan. “I know a gem when I see one, and you, Miss Mayfield, are a gem.” She squinted slightly as another boat capsized in the middle of the lake, and after a bit of splashing, three heads bobbed to the surface.

“Mr. Rutland has extended an offer of employment beyond the house party,” Purity offered.

Her ladyship gave Purity a side-eyed glance, the merest hint of amusement in her twinkling eyes. “Has he indeed?”

“After a probationary period, that is. To see if we will suit.” No, that was not what she meant. “Not Mr. Rutland and me. Bernadine and me.”

Stop blathering. You’ll only make her suspicious.

“Miss Mayfield, I am hesitant to mention this as I abhor gossip in any form. However, I believe you should be informed.”

Purity turned her attention to Lady Mumford.

The countess wore a bemused expression.

“At some point or other, you may hear unsavory rumors about Theran’s days as a pugilist,” Lady Mumford said. “He was skilled and rather ruthless at the craft and amassed a small fortune from wagers on his matches.”

Well, that explained Lord Ceddes's fear when he learned Theran’s name.

Waving her fan vigorously to produce a small draft, her ladyship went on, “Theran put that all behind when he and Imogene became betrothed, but unfortunately, the reputation he earned still occasionally casts a black shadow over him.”

“Thank you for telling me. His exceptional skills proved quite useful in dispatching Lord Ceddes,” Purity quipped with a wry smile. She had no doubt Lady Mumford knew what happened with his lordship.

“Oh, look!” Lady Mumford cried as the spectators exploded into claps and cheers. “Hurrah! I say, he’s done it!”

Purity inspected the far shore.

Sure enough, Mr. Rutland’s boat had reached the other side first. Frightened waterfowl squawked their objections as they waddled up the embankment or flew across the lake’s shimmering surface.

He and the other men in his boat laughed and clapped each other on the back. In their exuberance, they failed to stay in the center of the skiff, and they toppled sideways into the lake.

The onlookers roared with laughter, and even Purity giggled.

As Mr. Rutland came to the surface, he raised a victorious fist in the air.

The crowd thundered all the louder.

“Come, sit with me, Miss Mayfield.”

It wasn’t as much a suggestion as a command.

Nonetheless, Purity hesitated. “But, Bernadine…?”

“Delphine? Forsythia?” With a wave of her gloved hand, the countess caught the attention of her two youngest daughters standing a few feet away. Each wore gowns that appeared more like a chef’s elaborate confection than a seamstress’s creation.

“Be dears, and mind Bernadine for a spell, will you?” the countess asked. “Perhaps a game of Simon Says to entertain the children?”

“Of course, Mama,” Delphine agreed with a ready smile. “Bernadine, let’s play Simon Says, shall we? You may bring your boat if you wish. I’m sure a few of the other children will want to play too.”

The girls gathered several other children and led them to an uncluttered lawn area.

“You needn’t fret, Miss Mayfield,” Lady Mumford assured her. “My daughters will keep an eye on Bernadine. They are very responsible.”

“I’ve no doubt they are.” Purity bent her mouth upward even as she unintentionally searched the far shore for a certain raven head. “I feel derelict in my duties, nonetheless.”

“He’ll have to bathe and change before he rejoins us for the picnic,” the Countess of Mumford said, distinct jollity coloring her voice.

Purity wrinkled her forehead. “Who will?”